Lessons from Our First Business: Beyond the Walls
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
Owning and operating our first brick-and-mortar business was a journey like no other for my wife and me. It was a space filled with energy, challenges, and opportunities for growth—not just for us, but for the people we served. Looking back, this experience was about so much more than running a business; it was about building a community, learning resilience, and discovering what truly matters.
Here are the key lessons we took away from this unforgettable chapter:
1. Community is Everything
The most rewarding aspect of owning a physical business was creating a space where people felt they belonged. Whether it was customers, clients, or team members, the sense of connection and shared purpose drove everything forward.
Lesson: Build a community, not just a business. The relationships you foster will define your success.
2. Consistency Beats Intensity
Motivation comes and goes, but consistency creates results. We learned that showing up every day, for both our team and our clients, made all the difference. It wasn’t about big, flashy moments—it was about steady, intentional progress.
Lesson: Success is built on small, consistent actions repeated over time.
3. Leadership is a Service Role
Owning a business together taught us that leadership is about serving others. It’s about empowering your team, listening to their needs, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Lesson: Great leaders don’t just manage—they inspire and uplift.
4. Adaptability is Non-Negotiable
Running a brick-and-mortar location required flexibility at every turn. From operational hiccups to evolving client needs, the ability to adapt and problem-solve was critical to keeping things on track.
Lesson: The ability to pivot quickly is what keeps you moving forward.
5. Progress is Personal
Every client came with unique goals and challenges, reminding us that success looks different for everyone. Understanding this allowed us to create individualized solutions and celebrate wins, big or small.
Lesson: Personalize your approach and honor every step of someone’s journey.
6. A Clear Vision is the Foundation
The business thrived because it had a clear purpose. That vision guided our decisions, inspired the community, and helped us stay focused, even during challenging times.
Lesson: A compelling vision isn’t just a guide—it’s a lighthouse in the storm.
7. Growth Lives Outside Your Comfort Zone
Whether it was learning new skills, taking risks, or stepping into uncomfortable situations, we discovered that the best opportunities came from pushing beyond what felt safe or familiar.
Lesson: Embrace the discomfort—it’s where true growth happens.
8. Celebrate the Small Wins
Success wasn’t just about hitting big milestones; it was about recognizing the smaller victories along the way. These moments kept the energy alive and reminded us why the journey was worth it.
Lesson: Progress is a series of small wins—don’t forget to celebrate them.
Looking Forward
Our first experience owning a brick-and-mortar business taught us lessons that extend far beyond its walls. It shaped how we view leadership, community, and resilience, and these lessons will guide us in whatever comes next.
If you’re thinking about starting your own venture, remember: it’s not just about the work you do—it’s about the people you impact, the relationships you build, and the lessons you learn along the way.
Here’s to new challenges, continued growth, and building something meaningful wherever we go.
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear your thoughts or connect with you about leadership, growth, or starting a business. Let’s keep the conversation going:
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LinkedIn: Erik Richard, MSc